Building Resilience

Children and Youth

Adults who interact with children and youth play an important role in modeling and supporting resilience.

The following essential building blocks of resilience, known as the 7C's, were developed by Dr. Ken Ginsburg MD, MS.Ed, pediatrician and adolescent specialist and author of Building Resilience in Children and Teens.

The 7C’s include:

1) Character — have and hold onto a sense of morality

2) Competence — improve yourself; learn something new

3) Connections— strengthen connections with family, friends, and community

4) Confidence — have realistic expectations and praise honestly

5) Contribution — make a difference for others in your family or community

6) Coping — develop a positive outlook for all things big and small

7) Control — own and control decisions, for better outcomes.

See Dr. Ginsburg’s site Fostering Resilience for a deeper understanding of these traits, and some tips on how to foster them in children and youth.

Youth and Adults

We all experience stressful times and struggles in life. Being resilient is largely about recognizing when you are struggling and practicing healthy coping strategies. For most adults, this is very individualized.

You can prepare for and combat life’s difficult times by making healthy strategies part of your normal routine.

This includes:

Taking care of yourself.

Eat healthy, well-balanced meals

Exercise on a regular basis

Get plenty of sleep

Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out

Talking to others. Sharing your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.

Giving yourself an artistic outlet, be it drawing, writing, singing, or playing an instrument. Or connecting with others doing the same, by joining a writing, choir, band or theater group.

Practicing mindfulness, visit https://mindfulnessnorthwest.com for free online videos, tips to get started in your own home practice, and classes on the eastside.

Taking a break from what’s causing the stress. If news events are causing your stress, take a break from listening or watching the news.

Avoiding drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help with the stress. But in the long run, they create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.

Volunteer, to get your mind off yourself and feel good about helping others.

Community Connections

Being connected to others and having a sense of belonging are important elements in building your own resilience. Our community is rich in opportunities to connect with others.

Duvall and Carnation-area organizations that offer free and low-cost events and activities:

Camlann Medieval Village: living history museum project located on Kelly Road. Classes, dinners, festivals, a village setting from 14th century England. Admission fee and reservations needed for dinners.http://camlann.org/

Cascade Community Theatre: community theatre organization for Duvall, Carnation, and Monroe. People of all ages are welcome to participate in every aspect of the theatre. They typically produce 4 shows each year including their Youth Theatre program.http://cctplays.org/

City of North Bend Parks and Trails Department: list of free and available activities, including public trails and parks. Contains many links to additional family-oriented event calendars.https://northbendwa.gov/142/Parks-Trails

Duvall Cultural Commission: music, art, culture and heritage. Sponsor of the SummerStage in Duvall with free entertainment during the summer and numerous other events in Duvall!http://duvallculture.org

Duvall Historical Society: preserving the history and promoting an appreciation for the history of this beautiful valley through local events such as the Heritage Festival, tours of the Dougherty Farmstead, and more. Many of these events are FREE!http://www.duvallhistoricalsociety.org/index.html

Duvall Library and Duvall Friends of the Library (DFOL): committed to supporting and enhancing programs, activities, and resources at the library. Check out their websites for FREE events at the library for children, families, and topic specific. DFOL does have a dues charge of $10 Individual and $15 Familyhttp://duvallfol.org/https://kcls.org/location/duvall-events/

Jubilee Farm: growing and grazing in the Snoqualmie Valley this beautiful farm offers seasonal events, a CSA (community supported agriculture) membership, and is a vital part of this valley.https://jubileefarm.org/

Lee Arts Foundation: a community-oriented private non-profit foundation “Celebrating the Snoqualmie Valley by bringing people together through art, music and culture.”https://www.leearts.org

Remlinger Farms: started as a small family run farm and fruit stand and has slowly grown over the years into the Family Fun Park, Market, Restaurant and Company Picnic site they are today. A super fun place to visit!https://remlingerfarms.com/index.htm

Riverview Schools and District: the full calendar of many free and low-cost activities including concerts, live theater, team sports games, talent shows, arts events, and dates of when school is in session (to take note of). Consider also the calendars of each school.http://rsd407.org/districtinfo/calendars/default.aspx

Savor Snoqualmie Valley: so many things to do in our valley and Savor helps you map your adventure, see upcoming events and things to do, explore some itinerary options, and read their blog to learn more of local happenings.https://savorsnoqualmievalley.org/home/

Snoqualmie Valley Regional Trail: 31.5 miles of beautiful gravel trail to ride your bike or horse along, travel with your feet, and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley! The trail passes through many local valley towns and ends at Rattlesnake Lake where you can stop and enjoy the incredible Cedar River Watershed Education Center.http://www.duvallwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/500/Snoqualmie-Valley-Trail-Map